3 events around us that show the effects of climate change

3 events around us that show the effects of climate change

We all keep hearing a lot about climate change. Most of us perhaps understand the definition and concept behind this. But do we really understand its real implications on the economy, people and society? It’s likely that we don’t.

This is contentious topic nowadays, especially here in the United States.Ever since the ruling Republicans withdrew from the Paris Climate accord, there has been widespread dissent from the scientific community and the public in general. Climate change has so far been seen as a legitimate threat, with numerous scientific sources backing it.

The effects of it can be on a daily basis, all around us. The United States has a plethora of coastal regions that are susceptible to rising tides and flooding, such as areas of Florida and California. Let us in fact look at some recent events that truly illustrate the damning effects of climate change.

Florida’s aquatic life in danger

Florida has been in the news a lot when it comes to climate change effects. A specific type of algae has been causing waves of destruction to Florida’s sea life. While algae are a naturally occurring phenomena, there has been a recent increase in the algal bloom due to human induced factors. Excess nitrogen from fertilizers dumped into the ocean and through greenhouse emissions have accelerated the algal bloom, causing the death of species such as dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.

Arctic seabirds responding to changes?

Something peculiar seeming to be happening in the Arctic. The seabird population has gone through some changes due to the rising ocean temperatures. And not for the better. The Black-legged Kittiwakes, one of the common breeds found in these parts, have undergone a serious drop in population. Scientists have attributed this directly to climate change.

Adios, Californian desert birds

Heat waves in the Californian deserts have been a more gular occurrence than one would want them to be, to be quite honest. This is causing the native desert birds significant damage. A recent study conducted by the Anthropocene magazine found that there has been a 42% decline in the breed diversity. Surprise surprise, yet another casualty of rising global temperatures. After all, birds aren’t really genetically programmed to handle such rises.

To be quite honest, the effects of climate change have always been visible across the ages. In fact, in ancient Turkey, studies have found climate change effects on agriculture, especially animal husbandry and butchering. This isn’t really a new thing. It has existed for a long time.

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What has changed, however, is the perception of the dangers of climate change at the very top of the political ladder. We shudder to think what the ramifications would be if seasoned political veterans chosen by us and tasked with leading the nation to its next phase blatantly neglect the issue. We sure hope it changes.